Zimbabwe beat Angola in AFCON tie

[Posted 09 Sep 2012][By Brighton Mupangavanhu]

The Warriors of Zimbabwe for the first time in many years demonstrated their Warrior-spirit in dispatching COSAFA rivals Angola 3-1 in the first leg of the Africa Cup of Nations 2013 final qualifier played at Harare's Rufaro Stadium.

Ajax Cape Town talisman Khama Billiat turned on the magic, something he had failed to do in a Zimbabwean shirt in a long time, and inspired Zimbabwe to a fairly good result under the circumstances of missing almost three quarters of the first team through unavailability for various reasons,chief among them being suspensions due to the Asiagate scandal.

Young Billiat, who has been overshadowed by former Aces Academy team mate Knowledge Musona, who missed this match, even had his name on the scoresheet,scoring Zimbabwe's second goal in the 20th minute.

Angola's Bastos had gifted Zimbabwe the lead on 6 minutes after scoring into his nets under pressure from the marauding Warriors, who had a first half to rememberwherein they raced to a 3-0 half-time lead.

On 36 minutes, Sweden-based Archford Gutu, himself a former Ajax player, put the icing on the cake when he grabbed the home team's third goal.

There was always the lingering danger of an Angola backlash in the second half, and two changes made by coach Gustavo Ferrin made an immediate impact when new man Djalma scored minutes after the restart.

That goal was scored when the Zimbabweans were still celebrating their 3-0 half-time lead, and couldprove vital if Angola is to win 2-0 at home. The Angolans will proceed on an away goals' rule if that is to happen.

The Warriors should have kept things tidy at the back and at 3-0 they should not have given the Angolans any fighting chance in Luanda in a month's time.

A 3-1 first leg lead may look great on paper, but in a two legged qualifier, that becomes a very precarious position should something go horribly wrong in Luanda.

Rahman Gumbo and his men should be commended for a fighting spirit in the midst of adversity that Zimbabwe is currently facing due to playe unavailability and poor management fromsome employees of ZIFA.